Beretta 21a and Ruger LCP

[JcMack]

I bought one of each of these guns as a BU or summer gun. The LCP is new so recalls should be nil using ser # as a guide. The Beretta is matte blue .22, used but pretty much as new. I've got a pocket holster that works with both guns and put a Pachmayr grip and Pierce mag ext. on for more grip on the LCP. I have 2 questions. 1: I have 2 mags for both guns. Beretta lists the .22 mags as being 7 rds. capacity. Yet I can easily with no problem, fit 8 rds in each of the two mags. Is this correct? 2: I'd like to carry a spare mag with either gun loose in my front pocket. Is there a "cap" type accessory available that would hold top round in place, and avoid a mag. holder thing.

 

[Erich]

1. 8-rounds in the 21a is a recipe for feeding problems. Go along with the gag and use the factory-recommended limits on the number of rounds.

2. You'll get so much lint in the .22 mags it's not funny. Even the Elsie's holsters will get lint in them through the side holes. Terrible idea - these tiny guns do not need their mags crudded up. But a "Rough Pouch" from Erik at SideGuard Holsters, which will work perfectly to hold two spare mags (one behind the other) for either of those guns (I know, I've had both - tho I only kept the LCP).

Side Guard Holsters - Rough Pouch

 

[JcMack]

Thanks for reply and info. I've had a few of these little Beretta's, 950's and 21a's in .25. One 950 in .22 short w/no safety. I'll unload one round.

Thanks, Jim

 

[Erich]

You've got good taste, my fellow Hoosier. Best of luck with them!

 

[Texas Star]

While we're on the small Berettas, how do members here like them? I'm thinking seriously of getting a M-950B .25 when I see a really nice one when I also have the money.
Were the 950's ever made in stainless? (Inox)

I saw somewhere that unless one loads the chamber via the hinged barrel feature, the gun can slam-fire if you cycle the slide to work it.

I asked about that on the Beretta board, and the concensus was that those who've owned the guns had no trouble by cycling the slide as one might think they could. One man posted a copy of the Beretta manual, specifically authorizing that. Maybe some AD's took place when some debris got caught in the firing pin channel and jammed the pin forward? It must not be a common problem, as the gun was made from 1950 until just a few years ago.

How is accuracy to at least ten feet? I mean, what size groups can you shoot when you try for best results? I plan to shoot for an enemy's eyes if I have to rely on a .25.

Can you expect to fire a 50-round box of ammo without jams? I gather that the Beretta 950/Jetfire is the most reliable .25 auto.

T-Star

 

[Texas Star]

Thanks. I'll check that site.

The .25 is also better sealed than the .22, and the bullets less likely to become loose.

 

[markfi]

Only carry 7rds in the Beretta mag. The Beretta 21 works great with 22 cal CCI Stingers.

 

[Rob1109]

I have the 21A in both .22 and .25. The .22 is blue and the .25 is whatever they call the nickel plating. Both are reliable and have never failed to function. I have to admit I got the .25 because I was/am concerned about potential jams in the .22, although it has never occured. I carry Stingers in the .22 and Win. .45gr. in the .25 (although I'm always looking for a better load in the .25). Is "better load" in a .25 an oxymoron?
Best.

 

[guy sajer]

I have an early 950 built around 1954-55 . The caliber is often criticized but it always fires .

My wife has a 21EL model 22LR that I bought her about 15yrs ago . It works 100% with Winchester X22LR (never tried any other) .

I bought an LCP when they first came out . It worked fine but my hand just couldn't "warm up to it" .

 

[Texas Star]

I have an early 950 built around 1954-55 . The caliber is often criticized but it always fires .

My wife has a 21EL model 22LR that I bought her about 15yrs ago . It works 100% with Winchester X22LR (never tried any other) .

I bought an LCP when they first came out . It worked fine but my hand just couldn't "warm up to it" .

Oooo! Nice pic!

 

[Dogguy]

I've had a 21A in .22LR for a good 20 years. I didn't expect much from it when I bought it but it's been very reliable and about as accurate as I can shoot it given the tiny sight arrangement. I only take it out and shoot it a couple of times a year and I can't remember the last time I seriously carried it but I intend to hold onto it. The only complaint I have is that I can no longer disassemble it for cleaning. The slide simply will not come off the frame. It's not a real problem--I just spray out the interior with Gun Scrubber.

Midway has the magazines periodically if you need spares.

 

[Rob1109]

Isn't the 6.35mm a .25ACP?

 

[JcMack]

Pic is of the gentleman's 950 .25. I think the EL .22 is a 21A style with gold inlays. Interesting read here.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs27.htm

 

[guy sajer]

Here's some 22LR data I found online .

GoldenLoki.com

You are correct . The 21EL was a "gussied up" model with 24k gold fill lettering and on the mag base plate . My wife picked it out .

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
In the 1980s I purchased a Beretta M-21 for my Wife to CCW. Then my Daughter wanted one like Mom had, so I purchased Daughter one also.
I found both Berettas were "Ammo Sensitive". One worked well with "Hi-Speed" ammo and the other worked well with "Standard" ammo.

 

[sigp220.45]

I bought this little Model 20 .25 from Gunbroker - my initial purchase there since it was only $120 and I wanted to start small.

It has been great - I've put 100 rounds of ball and that pellet-nosed stuff through it without a hiccup. I haven't shot it at a paper target, but it hits pop cans with no sweat, and I managed to knock over a one-liter bottle at a laser-ranged 57 yards.

I love this little thing - its my go to the store to get the paper on Sunday morning gun.

Yes, I've heard all the "if you shoot somebody and they find out blah blah blah" nonsense. I've seen plenty of dead people, including two cops, who would disagree if they could.

 

[mtheo]

Several years ago I bought two 21a's in matte blue. One for myself and one for my business partner. His would cycle about anything flawlessly. Mine on the other hand was finicky and not reliable. A couple hundred rounds of break in shooting didn't help. Five years ago I finally "discovered" that squeezing the magazine lips together stopped cartridges from jamming against the upper lip of the chamber. It is now reliable with about anything I put through it. This squeezing is a delicate process. I reduced the gap on mine from .215" down to .195". If you squeeze the lips to closely together the bolt face will bind on the magazine lips. I used 5" vise grips with taped jaws. The adjuster screw allows you to "calibrate the squeeze."

My favorite ammo is CCI Stingers. Do not shoot Aguila ss subsonics in it. The short case fouls the chamber causing the longer bullet of successive rounds to bind , not allowing the rim to fully seat causing misfires.

To keep the gun reliable it is essential you clean the chamber and barrel after a firing session. just a couple passes through the barrel and chamber with a brush and keep the rim recess clean.

My Beretta and Mecgar magazines are both fine. They hold only seven rounds. If you put in eight rounds in a magazine you probably will have trouble seating the magazine.

The sights are pretty minimal....with practice you can be quite accurate point shooting. I put a Crimson Trace on Mine. It really makes a world of difference in low light. The only thing I don't like about the laser is it adds extra thickness to the grip.